Manchester City vs Everton

Match Preview

Morgan Schneiderlin is fit again after missing 3 weeks with a calf strain

Everton kick off 2020 at the home of the reigning Premier League Champions with Carlo Ancelotti hoping to engineer the Blues' first win at the Etihad Stadium since 2010.

The Italian has overseen successive victories to start his tenure at Goodison Park but faces two difficult away assignments in the space of four days to start the New Year, with an FA Cup derby at Anfield looming on Sunday.

Ancelotti has welcomed the test against one of Europe's best teams and, as he suggested during his pre-match press conference, it will certainly provide an indication of where this Everton team is now that the ship has been steadied following the chaotic last days of Marco Silva's reign and the players have started to take the new boss's methods on board.

The team should travel with more confidence than they have for a while now given Ancelotti's influence and the fact that City have not been firing on all cylinders this season. Pep Guardiola's men have already lost five times this season, twice at home, and fallen sufficiently far behind Liverpool that the Spaniard has effectively given up on retaining the title for a second season running.

Guardiola is expected to have David Silva and former Everton defender John Stones back from injury while Ederson will be available again following suspension after his red card against Wolves.

Meanwhile, for Everton, the midfield injury crisis continues to ease with the news that Morgan Schneiderlin has recovered from a calf injury and is in contention for a place against City. That gives Ancelotti more options in the middle but in terms of how many changes he makes, much might depend on whether he feels that four days since has been enough rest for those who started at Newcastle on Saturday.

While deploying a fluid two-striker formation has worked for both Duncan Ferguson and Ancelotti, City pose an altogether more challenging proposition than the Blues have faced in recent games and the manager will need to come up with a solution that not only attempts to stifle Guardiola's relentlessly creative midfield and potent forward line while also ensuring that Dominic Calvert-Lewin isn't so isolated up front that he can't cause enough problems.

Manchester United exposed City's vulnerabilities to the counter-attack in their recent derby at the Etihad and Ancelotti could try and emulate the Red Devils' approach and success by using the pace on the break offered by the likes of Theo Walcott and Richarlison.

The hosts will, of course, be favourites but Ancelotti and his staff will be confident that they can get something from the game if they can get the strategy right and the players deliver on the pitch to get the New Year off to a positive start.

Reader Comments (87)

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Paul Birmingham 1Posted
31/12/2019 at
22:35:00

Tomorrow I hope the players shoot on site as if Bravo, is in goal hes a history of soft goals.

Hopefully Everton will take the same mindset and a tough game, but as proven City can be made ordinary, as has been proven this season, more than most in the last 8 years.

Im optimistic and hopeful to surprise the media tomorrow, with the result.

Don Carlo, knows this is a test and will ensure with Duncans passion, the Everton players give 100%, for 96 mins tomorrow.

Tony Everan 2Posted
31/12/2019 at
22:35:15

On a good day, and Man City have many of them, they are unstoppable. The good thing is they have been having a few more bad days this season. Our forwards are confident, their defence is not watertight this season and can be vulnerable under presssure. 1st choices Ederson and Laporte are out.

With players like Bernard, DCL and Richarlison and maybe Kean attacking them there is goal or two to be had. Conversely, all four of our defenders will be tested to the max, as will Pickford, but they are up to the challenge.

We are way better than we were 2 months ago and improving. If we dig in and then take our chances a point is realistic and a win is not total fantasy.

I would say Lyndon has the team exactly right this week.

Jerome Shields 3Posted
31/12/2019 at
23:05:34

I am as apprehensive about this game as I was prior to the Newcastle game. Still I can't wait to see Everton progress under Ancelotti. It is so different being Everton Supporter now, when someone who knows what they are you is in charge and is humble enough to acknowledge his collegues contribution.

Clarence Yurcan 4Posted
31/12/2019 at
23:45:53

In some past years (i.e. last year, 2014) let's just say I was not too upset when we lost to City, for obvious reasons. However now, since we can't stop the apocalypse from happening anyway, we might as well go in there and tonk them. 5-1 to the Blues.

Carlo knows what he is doing its up to the players that cross the line to give all for the blue shirt... its up to us to encourage and inspire them to play their best.

Hippy new year 2020 is the start of us getting back to the top..m

Ajay Gopal 8Posted
01/01/2020 at
03:39:16

Carlo may be targeting the FA Cup and may decide to give Richarlison a breather, he looked totally knackered at the end of the Newcastle game. DCL and Holgate also deserve a break, but not sure Carlo will be able to afford to rest 3 of his star players.

He's been out for 3 weeks during which we've been really good. Prior to that he was playing and we were awful.

Just like when he was in the side under Allardyce before he got dropped/injured and we turned a corner.

With any luck he'll be sold during the next month.

Sounds harsh. I support the vast majority of Everton players but he's an overpaid, deluded (check the interview about him telling people what an underrated job he does) waste of a jersey.

Ajay Gopal 10Posted
01/01/2020 at
05:09:14

Andrew (9), against Chelsea - Duncan's 1st game in charge - Schneiderlin put in a very good performance, by most accounts. He and Siggy worked very well in the midfield and played a big role in our victory. He then got injured and did not play in our good run, but under Carlo and Dunc, hopefully, we see the best of him.

Jerome Shields 11Posted
01/01/2020 at
05:21:52

I think we have to look at all players in a new light.

Walcott and for periods Sigurdsson were weak in the last game. Ancelotti will try to address their weaknesses, as he will with other players. Schniederlin will carry out the instructions that Ancelotti will give him. He has been selected by all previous Managers, because he has done this.

Schniederlin will be a different player in a well coached, tactically astute side. I expect him to come out of his shell. It's a different Everton now, when managed by a Manager who knows how to manage.

Jerome Shields 12Posted
01/01/2020 at
05:21:52

I think we have to look at all players in a new light.

Walcott and for periods Sigurdsson where weak in the last game. Ancelotti will try to address their weaknesses, as he will with other players. Schniederlin will carry out the instructions that Ancelotti will give him. He has been selected by all previous Managers, because he has done this. I

Schniederlin will be a different player in a well coached, tactically astute side. I expect him to come out of his shell. It's a different Everton now, when managed by a Manager who knows how to manage.

Kunal Desai 13Posted
01/01/2020 at
05:23:08

Not sure if Walcott start this one considering he started against Newcastle. Perhaps Bernard replaces him here. Might also be worth starting Davies in place of Delph.

Peter Bourke 14Posted
01/01/2020 at
05:43:45

Ederson is playing. Dont know why people are saying hes out??

Derek Knox 15Posted
01/01/2020 at
06:12:33

Peter, @14, didn't he get a Red Card for taking someone out, outside of his box? I think he may be suspended.

Just hope we carry on as we've started under Duncan and Carlo, to quote Bobby Brown Shoes " Sin Miedo " just depends which City turn out. They have been a bit inconsistent this year.

Peter Bourke 16Posted
01/01/2020 at
06:16:48

Derek @15. Yes but he only got a 1 game ban and served it against Sheffield Utd. Not an automatic 3 game ban for that offence.

Derek Knox 17Posted
01/01/2020 at
06:24:32

Okay hands up Peter, I thought it was a three game ban, sorry for that mate. Still want a win though! :-)

Should have said 'last year' regarding City's inconsistency, like us, they are unbeaten this year.

Peter Bourke 18Posted
01/01/2020 at
06:38:11

All good Derek. I was a bit confused myself. I agree that City have been inconsistent this season so lets hope they have a bad day at the office. I think we definitely have a chance of getting something out of this game.

David Pearl 19Posted
01/01/2020 at
06:53:00

All the best Derek mate, hope you had a drop of the good stuff last night... and this morning! Im godfather to 16 baby goats in the last 3 days.

Mike Gaynes 20Posted
01/01/2020 at
07:11:18

Mazel tov, David!

Im sure that as a godfather you are the GOAT — Greatest of all time.

David Pearl 21Posted
01/01/2020 at
07:22:45

Mazel Tov to you too Mike. Yes walked them home and a few had legs sticking out the back of them. All survived. Now Im off to find something to drink. And then a 2 hour 45 minutes walk back home just so l can watch the game. Wed better win!

Paul Tran 22Posted
01/01/2020 at
07:25:14

Morning all. Big test today. And I passed it by getting up to feed and walk the dogs! Seriously, big test for a talented but inconsistent City side against Carlo's winning machine. OK, I think it'll be a tight game - and here I am, anticipating at least a point away to City. Now that's what I call a Happy New Year!

Laurie Hartley 23Posted
01/01/2020 at
07:51:47

Perhaps I am just a hopeless optimist but going into this game I am feeling that nervous excitement I havent experienced for a long time.

I have no idea what players Carlo Ancelotti will start the game with but I am sure they will be up for it.

Up the Blues!!!!

Bob Parrington 24Posted
01/01/2020 at
08:26:19

What I really like in all of this thread is the fabulous positivity. Long may it last. How few of us would have honestly thought early December that we would be in our current league position. Wow! Wow! Wow!

From a smokey Australia, All the best for 2020 to everybody on here!

Duncan McDine 25Posted
01/01/2020 at
08:31:14

Happy New Year to all Evertonians across the globe! Wouldnt it be nice to start 2020 with a win at Man City?!!!! Think I must still be drunk.

Mark Andersson 26Posted
01/01/2020 at
08:46:50

Hippy New Year toffee webbers. Thanks for keeping me entertained and informed..

Jim Harrison 27Posted
01/01/2020 at
08:52:21

I would marine going into this game Carlo will be looking at a draw as a good result or a narrow loss. No humping to knock back the recent confidence built up.

A win would be fantastic, but it will take all the players being on their game and city having an off one. The home game against them was a lesson on how lethal they are. No team has had more chances against them under pep, we looked good nd had them rattled but still lost 3 - 1

Mark Burton 28Posted
01/01/2020 at
08:57:22

Happy New year to you and your family and may Don Carlo prevail in his quest for world domination. I am looking forward to seeing how this and the cup game against the RS pan out. The spirit of the team has been a revelation since the players seem to be able to do what they are best at instead of being forced to do the Silva sideways shuffle. Thanks Duncan for paving the way for our new leader. COYB

Martin Berry 29Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:01:05

Its comforting that we have a coach that will get the best out of the players available.City are vulnerable to crosses and pace on the counter Carlo will know this.I am sure we will try and soak it up and hit them on the break with a Walcott/DCL/Richarlison front line.Is today that Mina gets on the end of a cross and makes a real name for himself ? We are quoted at 10-11/1 in places for a win, worth a few bob this.

Jack Convery 30Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:02:27

COYBs !! Make us all proud !!!

Alan McGuffog 31Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:05:50

In the next few days we play two of the best sides in Europe. The chances are that we will lose both. Not nailed on but quite likely.The yardstick though is HOW we perform. Out attitude. Our fight. That will tell us if we are on the right track. Happy New Year to all.

Derek Thomas 32Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:14:22

Alan Mc G.@31; Exactly this. And a Happy New Year to everybody, especially the ones just surfacing this morning...it will get better

Ray Roche 33Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:15:29

Happy New Year to Blue Boys everywhere 🥂Mike,David, my mate was dyslexic. He went to a Toga party dressed as a goat.(Just keeping the “goat” theme going)😁

Dave Abrahams 34Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:15:54

David (21), happy new year, hope you celebrate the start of it with a good performance and result at City, you and all the Bluenoses around the world amaze me with your support of our team, not to mention all those going to the game today, those of us watching it on TV or reading about it on Live Forum, what a great Blue Everton family we all make, we might not be the best but there is definitely no one better. Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

David I hope all your young kids prosper along with the community you are living and working in, God bless.

David Greenwood 35Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:18:32

First game of 2020.

Lets start it with a really positive performance and ideally a win.

Set the tone for the rest of the year.

COYB

Derek Knox 36Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:40:16

Ray @ 33, he wasn't called Billy by any chance was he? 😋

Happy new year to all Blues everywhere, here's hoping for a winning start.

Colin Glassar 37Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:46:18

This will be another Ancellotti tactical class who will keep it tight. We may lose, probably will, but it will only be by the odd goal and we will make Guardiola sweat.

I have a feeling Ancellotti will keep his powder dry for the derby game where we will surprise everybody and WIN!

Ray Roche 38Posted
01/01/2020 at
09:55:52

Derek, yes! He was also a mate of our kids😁

Tony Everan 39Posted
01/01/2020 at
10:09:57

Ederson is playing, I thought he got a 3 match ban for his sending off, but as it was not for violent conduct it was only a 1 match ban.

Happy new year to all Evertonians.

Shaun Laycock 40Posted
01/01/2020 at
10:13:08

My team would be (442):PickfordColemanHolgateMinaDigneSidibeDelphSiggyRichieKeanDCLIn Don Carlo We Trust. COYB.

Denis Richardson 41Posted
01/01/2020 at
10:40:28

Happy New Year all and isnt it great starting the year without Silva (Ill get over it eventually).

Never a great time to play city away but now probably as good as it gets given their recent form, lack of rest and injuries.

Im not expecting any fireworks but a decent performance and possibly come away with something would be great. Just keep it tight at the back and keep the work rate up.

KDB is a wonderful player and Aguero is just coming back from injury so is relatively fresh so will be interesting to see how we approach the game. Hopefully well take it to them and not go there playing for a draw from the off.

Neil Wood 42Posted
01/01/2020 at
10:54:30

Morning all. Big win coming up today me thinks! 1-3 to the blues!

I am unfortunately working today fighting crime and the fear of crime!!! (yes... on New Years Day! say awwwww)

I was wondering if some kind sole could let me use their BT login for one game only!

Text me if you can help 07879551102

Was also let down for two tix for Sunday if anyone can possibly help - will happily have just one if thats all there is

COYB

James Marshall 43Posted
01/01/2020 at
10:59:11

While we all appear to have a large slice of dislike for Sidetosiderlin, the truth is we need him. Our midfield options over a busy season have been severely depleted with the injuries to Gbamin and Gomes so Shneiderlin is an option we can't really do without.

Squad rotation is important so he will get games.

Dave Williams 44Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:03:58

Shaun #40 I think Id go with that too but isnt it nice that there are now some options because players are looking so much better.HNY to everyone, be nice to each other( some hope!!) and looking forward more than anything to my trip up for Brighton next week.Come on!!!!

Brian Harrison 45Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:04:40

I listened to Carlo about this game today, and he said he expected City to have a lot of the ball, but it is important when we have the ball we are positive. So I expect us to break quickly when in possession, and it will be important when a quick break isn't on we retain possession as long as we can. City like to use their wingers a lot, and both Sterling and more so Mahrez both like to cut back inside on their stronger foot. So we need to make sure we don't let them cut inside as that is were they are likely to create most problems for us.

Otamendi is a definite weakness for me and we need to try and get him into a 1on1 with either Dominic-Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison. Again because the games are coming thick and fast not much time for Carlo to work with the players on the training ground for as much as he would like. But he will have them organised and looking to hurt City on the break. City know they cant afford to lose many more games otherwise they might not even finish 2nd. So we will be facing a full strength fully committed side today. I am sure Carlo is looking forward to see how his team perform.

Derek Knox 46Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:19:27

Neil @42, All the best to you mate, I hope you're right with your predicted score, although we have improved I still think that's a tall order, but you never know!

Can't help with the BT Login, have IPTV myself, it may be worth a month's subscription to one of them about $5/month about the price of a pint, and you'll get BT, Sky and possibly Bein Sports. KEMO iptv is a very cheap and good one. If you need more info let me know, Prime Streams about £8 is even better, as is Sportz TV (iptv). Good luck!

Paul Curwen 47Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:30:03

Happy new year Toffee Webbers...Still in Oz for a couple of days with probably pass out drunk before game kicks off so COYB'S :)

Hugh Jenkins 48Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:32:39

Dunc and Carlo have had a magical effect on my expectations.I now look on any game we play with an unerring belief that not only are we capable of winning it - but that we will win it.I am sure that that same belief and confidence is now established in our players and it makes a huge difference in attitude.

Derek Knox 49Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:47:12

Paul C, glad you're still enjoying life 'down under' be careful with those 'tinnies' you don't want to miss the game! 💙

Len Hawkins 50Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:47:55

This Tor Lorder is he a midfielder?

A Happy New Blue Year to all!

Alexander Murphy 51Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:52:08

Happy New Year Chosen Ones !

Today, I feel as we should upon the birth of a New Year, a New Decade, or most correctly A New Blue Era, I feel that anything is possible.

By that, I mean simply todays result. City are truly magnificent to behold and if De Bruyne is in his pomp then we have no longer have Gana Gueye to thwart him.

However.

We have our new found confidence and passion (Thank You Big Dunc for re-igniting the Blue Fire !), our class act Manager Carlo and young Dominic is firing on all FIVE cyclinders.

A proto-partnership of Calvert-Lewin & Kean up top ?

And on that particular issue, I sincerely hope that the error prone stones lines up against our new DC-L. One has flourished and the other still flatters to deceive.

Sign that 5 year deal Dominic, you've bloody well earned the opportunity mate. For Me DC-L has improved so much these last 18 months that, frankly, I could not see this irrepressable, intelligent young professional not starting to score goals.

What I've loved in his recent spree has been the scruffy goals. Worldies are breathtaking, but scruffies are the oxygen of a striker.

Now, I'll admit that as a True Blue, I'm far too overfamiliar with the concept of false dawn. Therefore, DC-L is on the brink. (I was about to use the word "teetering", but, honestly, nothing about Dominic's ebullient style of play is "teetering". Is it ? Unless that is, the opposition CH).

Back to 10th.Duncan The Magnificent restores passion at The Grand Old Lady.Dominic Calvert-Lewin our freescoring number nine.Carlo Ancellotti, raising a royal blue eyebrow.

Santa really is an Evertonian.

COYBB !

Steve Ferns 52Posted
01/01/2020 at
11:57:32

Happy New Year to all blues and TW readers. Don Carlos first tough game. We cant expect much here. So, the pressure is off, but can he ride the momentum to spring another surprise on a shaken Man City?

Neil Wood 53Posted
01/01/2020 at
12:01:52

Derek @ 46 Thank you.

I was trying to get the log in So I could watch on my phone or my lad iPad if I can sneak it off him!!

Ive considered the iptv and would like some more info if you can point me in the right direction!! Feel free to message me on 07879551102 or neilanthonywood@hotmail.com

Thank you

Dick Fearon 54Posted
01/01/2020 at
12:10:29

It is good to compare our team selections but we must take into account the strengths and weaknesses of City. They are so quick in transition from defence to attack we cannot allow our RM and RB to both be pushed too far forward at the same time. That also applies to our left side defence. If John Stone plays one of our twin strikers must be close enough to take advantage of his once per game big mistake.This game is definately winnable and our lads must be up and at it from the word go.FRom the south west of Western Australia to Blues the world overI wish you all the best.

Brent Stephens 55Posted
01/01/2020 at
12:21:09

Happy New Year one and all.

David #19 " this morning! Im godfather to 16 baby goats in the last 3 days". Only on ToffeeWeb!!!

Bob #24 "What I really like in all of this thread is the fabulous positivity. Long may it last. How few of us would have honestly thought early December that we would be in our current league position. Wow! Wow! Wow! From a smokey Australia, All the best for 2020 to everybody on here!"

Bob, amen to the positivity! Re the fires, we lived for a year or so in Mernda, near Bundoora, just north of Melbourne. Affected by the latest fires, I believe?

Richard Mason 56Posted
01/01/2020 at
12:31:01

Neil @53, download Mobdro to your phone and you will get all the sport channels and be able to watch it.

Happy New Year, Blues, let's hope for a win.

Dom Kearney 57Posted
01/01/2020 at
12:34:19

Have a strangely good feeling about today. What I dont want to hear, though, is that muppet pronouncing Sigurdsson and Richarlison in a very stupid way, as we heard against Burnley!May the next decade be prosperous for all us Toffees!!!

Ricky Oak 58Posted
01/01/2020 at
12:40:40

Happy New year, humble apologies I see us getting hammered just like all the pundits are waiting for,, if so am hoping that we as a club fan base, family whatever, simply keep positive, focused and together,, give carlito a few months at least to install his ideals,, be nice if we beat them and rs of course but let's keep it real, we are hated and many are rubbing hands with bad intentions, all that negative energy needs to be deflected back, whilst our love needs to remain unified, we will overcome, eventually x

Jerome Shields 59Posted
01/01/2020 at
13:01:36

Lyndon I can see Schniederlin and Kean starting. Delphi in as sub and Walcott only if no alternatives. I think we will see a attacking Everton in the first half.

Sean Kelly 60Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:07:20

Happy new year to all Evertonians where ever you are.

Iain Johnston 61Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:16:17

I'd go for Holgate in the middle again with Gylfi and both Sidibe & Coleman on the right, Digne & Richarlison on the left and DCL & Kean up top.

Get in their faces, close them down quickly and target the liability Otemendi.

The Boss reckons Schniederlin will be fit for the RS game (oh dear).

Happy New Year everyone!

John Pierce 62Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:36:37

Today I fancy a bit of 3-5-2 today. Carlo knows how to get the better of Pep, does he have the players to go with the tactics?

Players should be quietly confident, City are extremely vulnerable to the counterattack, can we be clinical?

Or will Carlo rest everyone for the the cup game? 😂

Bob Parrington 63Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:40:48

Brent @55 Thanks. Seeing mostly more to the East of Mernda currently. Some really devastating fires nearer the coast. Whole place is a tinderbox at present. So dry lightening strikes can be a major risk anywhere.

Sorry TWebbers for being off subject of the thread. But I am sure you will be forgiving.

Dennis Stevens 64Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:43:39

A Happy New Year to all long suffering Blues - let's hope this is the year the suffering stops!

It'll be interesting to see whether there is any indication of Ancelotti prioritising League over Cup, or vice versa. I'm hoping, of course, that he's even smarter than that & has a cunning plan to win both matches.

Brent Stephens 65Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:44:35

Cheers Bob.

Fran Mitchell 66Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:44:51

Can't see all of Kean, Rich, and DCL playing. Kean in the bench, 4-4-2 (3-5-2 when in possession).

Deplh will be eager to make an impression against his old team, him and Siggy, Sibide on the right and maybe Bernard on the left.

Another option would be 3-5-2 all the time, with Davies Siggy and Delph playing together. That would be an energetic midfield, and we focus our attacks on through balls and crosses their defence is susceptible on the counter.

Steve Brown 67Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:51:43

Jon Moss reffing the Cup match with Liverpool. He is atrocious.

John Pierce 68Posted
01/01/2020 at
14:54:01

Fran, I think with the players we have fit and the ones who are in form, against City and the way they play, 3-5-2 fits the bill.

Clog the the midfield, use the wing backs to play direct balls either up to Calvert-Lewin or down the flanks for him and Richarlison.

They must be sharp, and if theres not an opportunity, get a set piece. City are weak and we should have an edge here.

If its tight I do expect Carlo to go for it. Hes out-foxed Pep before 🤞🏼

Mike Gaynes 70Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:00:46

Happy New Year all... or as Alexander says, to the chosen ones... from a dark and rainy US West Coast.

That bicycle kick goal from Brighton is definitely the way for every football fan to start off 2020. Life is good.

And I love the nickname Don Carlo.

Derek Knox 71Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:22:32

Bob @ 63, no need for apologies mate, I for one am always interested in news from elsewhere in the world, whether it be what you guys are going through, or Football etc.

It is always better to hear it from someone who is actually there and not through the Media, who generally put a slant on things. Derek Thomas in Brisbane was saying some time ago that a lot of these fires have been set deliberately, in addition to the naturally occurring ones. Unbelievable!

Hope it all works out for everyone with no more losses of life.

David Midgley 72Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:34:13

Many people have been positively surprised with Duncan and have reappraised him. Rightly so.

Wouldn't it be nice for it to happen to Morgan S. ?It would be great for us and for him.There is footballer in there somewhere.

Derek Knox 73Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:35:35

Mike @ 70, or San Carlo de Ancelotti. 👼

Mike Gaynes 74Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:42:43

Derek, that sounds like a little mountain town in the Dolomites. Someplace with a historic old church and some vineyards.

Derek Knox 75Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:48:21

Mike G, a Mafia Safehouse!

Dave Abrahams 76Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:55:41

David (72), with all due respect, I was pleased with Duncan over the three games he was in charge, he motivated the crowd to motivate the team, who reacted to gain us five vital points, I still dont know how good he is as a coach or what he did during the previous five or six years he has been employed as a coach, certainly need more than the short time he was in charge of the squad, he has earned the right to carry on learning under Ancelotti and time will tell if he has the ability to be a good manager.

Bjoern Haall 77Posted
01/01/2020 at
15:55:58

My line up with reasoning:Pickford - Good ine on one and great reflexes. Good to have against the type if chances City creates. Back four of Sidibe, Holgate, Mina, Digne - Speed is needed and these are our fastest defenders. FB should predominately stay at home. 3 central midfielders rather deeply placed to own the hole in front of the back four - Delph, Siggy and Schniederlin. 1 attacking mid - Bernard2 forwards Kean and TosunThat way we always have 3 attackers against city 2 central defenders. We rest some players but could still sneak a win.

Derek Knox 78Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:13:55

Anthony @78, Read that before but didn't realise we had actually signed him. Apparently there were a few Clubs after him, Rangers, Celtic and RS were allegedly interested too.

Like you say he'll go into the U23's probably, but good to know anyway.

David Pearl 79Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:18:53

Dave, Brent, Mike, Ray and everybody all the best.My day so far...

My mum told me 3pm kick off. I left on a bus to Beer Sheva at 5.40am. Bought a few beers and a falafel.Got the 10.30 bus towards Nitzana.Walked along the desert towards Ezuz for 2 1/2 hours Got picked up for the final 20 minutes.Had a quick shower and arrived in a cafe with WiFi to watch the game... at 2:55.Perfect timing!!Anyway... had a few shots bought for me (Im 50 today).I wont forget it...

Oh weve now had 40 baby goats. Lots more on the way. And as they say in Israel... coyb

Mike Gaynes 80Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:24:12

Happy 50th, David!

A 2½-hour walk in the Negev is how you celebrate? Oy vey.

Well, enjoy the game.

Derek Knox 81Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:24:28

Congratulations David, pity about the timing for the Match, hope you get back okay after a win.

Ray Roche 82Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:28:05

Congratulations David, Happy Birthday!COYG

Brent Stephens 83Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:28:55

Nice one, David.

Mike Gaynes 84Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:30:39

Off-topic but very interesting... from Reuters:

Former Premier League referee Bobby Madley has admitted he was sacked because a tasteless video he described as a "dark-humoured joke" between friends was sent to his employers.

Madley has not officiated in the Premier League since August 2018, with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) originally stating that he was relocating to Norway.

However, he has now revealed that the video, where he mocked a parent with a walking impairment, was forwarded to the PGMOL which resulted in a formal disciplinary hearing and his subsequent dismissal.

Madley said the video was made in response to being "fat shamed" in a newspaper article titled 'Blobby Bobby' written by former referee Mark Halsey, who claimed he made mistakes because he was overweight.

"As I sat in my car with my phone in hand, a person walked past my car in front of me who had a walking impairment. The next part I am ashamed of," Madley explained in a blog post.

"I took a six-second film, I said nothing. I did this in Snapchat, which is where I take all of my films that I intend to save to my phone. On the video I wrote: 'I have a chance of winning the parents' race this year.' Out of context I accept this reads shamefully... However, my intention was that the joke was aimed at myself."

Madley said the video, sent as a private text to somebody he trusted, was meant to be nothing more than a joke and was not intended to be seen by anyone else, claiming his "world fell apart" after the video came to light.

"I regret taking the video, I regret sending that video and, whilst it was a dark-humoured joke, it was just that. A joke. It was not intended to shame anyone. Whilst I absolutely understand the importance of an employer taking discrimination seriously, as they did, the decision to this day still stuns me.

"I will never be able to accept that the decision taken was either necessary nor was it proportionate to the act... The last 18 months have been mental torture for me."

Neil Wood 85Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:36:55

Happy Birthday David. Have a great day pal.

Brian Wilkinson 86Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:42:16

I,m Happy with that starting 11 Derek.

James Flynn 87Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:42:37

Anthony (78) - You have a link to that info? I can't find any word on us signing that boy.

Dave Abrahams 88Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:43:08

City seem to have a weakened team out, must give us an extra chance against that defence of theirs today.

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